Smile Politely

The Rainbow Connection: July 22–28

MONDAY, July 22

WHAT: Youth Time

WHERE: UP Center of Champaign County

WHEN: Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 3:00–6:00 p.m.

Youth Time is open time for youth in the UP Center meeting space. During this time, the UP Center meeting space will be open for youth in middle school and high school (13–17) to use to socialize, do homework, relax, or just spend time together. There will be an adult staff member in the space, but otherwise this time is reserved for youth only.

Youth groups Play It UP and Talk It UP will continue from 6:00–7:00, but the UP Center will now be open to youth before group from 3–6 p.m. Please join us!

For more information, please contact Maggie.

WHAT: Act UP!

WHERE: The UP Center of Champaign County

WHEN: Monday, July 22, 6:00–8:00 p.m.

Act UP! is the UP Center’s youth theater group Join us for brainstorming original skits, acting, and creating a unique theater experience unlike any other! This group is open to youth between the ages of 12–17, 18 if you’re still in high school.

For more information, contact Peggy Weyer.

WHAT: Nekromancy

WHERE: Chester Street Bar

WHEN: Monday, July 22, 9:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m.

Every Monday, DJs SorceryKid and Hivemind, craft a continuous audio-visual mixshow of the latest and the greatest in dark alternative and underground dance music.

Doors: 9:00 p.m.
Cover: $2.00
Age: 19+

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TUESDAY, July 23

WHAT: Mpowerment Meeting

WHERE: Green Street Center
24 E. Green St., Suite 14
Champaign

WHEN: Tuesday, July 23, 6:00–9:00 p.m.

Mpowerment is a local social and HIV prevention group for young gay/bisexual men. Meetings are open to all young gay and bisexual men interested in becoming involved.

For more information, please contact Carrie Keenan.

WHAT: Man UP: Men’s Social Group

WHERE: The UP Center of Champaign County

WHEN: Tuesday, July 23, 7:00–8:30 p.m.

Man UP meets in a social setting for casual discussion, games, and more. For adult men, 26+.

For more information go here, or contact Kevin Bowersox-Johnson.

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WEDNESDAY, July 24

WHAT: Brother II Brother Meeting

WHERE: Green Street Center
24 E. Green St., Suite 14
Champaign

WHEN: Wednesday, July 24, 7:00–8:00 p.m.

B II B is a social group for young men of color who have sexual or loving relationships with other men. The goal is to create a strong positive and healthy community for men of color in Champaign-Urbana.

For more information, please email Rage.

WHAT: Karaoke Party!

WHERE: Emerald City Lounge

WHEN: Wednesday, July 24, 9:00–11:00 p.m.

Emerald City hosts Karaoke every Wednesday. Doors open at 5:00. Order some great food, enjoy the drink specials, and at 9:00 p.m. join in on the fun and show everyone what you’ve got!

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FRIDAY, July 26

WHAT: Play It UP

WHERE: The UP Center of Champaign County

WHEN: Friday, Month day, 6:00–7:00 p.m.

Play It UP is a social group for LGBTQA middle and high school youth. Play it UP is peer-led, adult-supported, and an official program of The UP Center. The facilitators of the group include two board members and the youth seat on the Board of Directors.

Youth involved in Play it UP organize monthly social events for LGBTQA youth to engage in, including movie nights, putt-putt, bowling, etc.

Information shared at Play it UP is strictly confidential, including youths’ presence at the group.

For more information, please contact Peggy.

WHAT: In the Mix

WHERE: Chester Street Bar

WHEN: Friday, July 26, 9:00 p.m.

Come out and celebrate life with the hottest music, videos, and plenty of gay club anthems mixed in for good measure. DJ Randall Ellison is on the decks spinning dance, pop, electro house, Euro house, and hip hop.

Age: 19+
Cover: $3

WHAT: Emerald Talent

WHERE: Emerald City Lounge

WHEN: Friday, July 26, 10:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m.

If you have a talent, Emerald City Lounge wants to see it.

Drink specials all night, and the audience picks the winners:

  • First place: $100
  • Second place: $50

Call (217) 552-9445 or email for information regarding the featured headliner and reservations.

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SATURDAY, July 27

WHAT: Saturday Night Royals, starring Alyssa Edwards

WHERE: Emerald City Lounge

WHEN: Saturday, July 27, 10:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m.

If you’re a fan of RuPaul’s Drag Race, you’re probably familiar with Miss Gay America 2010, Alyssa Edwards, who competed in the show’s fifth season and finished in 6th place.

Special performances by:

Call (217) 552-9445 or email for information regarding VIP tables, the featured headliner, and reservations.

Door: 9 p.m.
Cover: $15

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SUNDAY, July 28

WHAT: Sunday Night Drag Shows

WHERE: Chester Street Bar

WHEN: Sunday, July 28, 11:30 p.m.–2:00 a.m.

C-Street hosts drag shows every Sunday, with different performers every week. The first Sunday of every month is Open Talent Night, hosted by Ceduxion Carrington, so anyone who wants to sing, dance, or give drag a try can compete for a cash prize.

 

 

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Disclaimer: This is not a comprehensive list of all LGBTQ events in our community. Please always feel free to email me or post other events/updates/corrections in the comments.

Except on rare occasions, all language is taken directly from event pages and websites, and only minimally edited.

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